Former England cricketer Ravi Bopara has expressed his belief that Rajasthan Royals’ Jos Buttler and Punjab Kings’ Sam Curran will be offered long-term contracts for the Indian Premier League (IPL). In a recent report, it was claimed that the IPL had offered multi-million-pound contracts to six English players on the condition that they would retire from international cricket. Although the names of the players were not disclosed, Bopara thinks that Buttler and Curran are likely candidates for such deals.
Bopara suggested that the trend of players choosing club and franchise teams over their national sides is becoming more prevalent. He cited the acquisition of teams by IPL franchises in South Africa and the Caribbean Premier League as examples. Bopara also explained that older players who are nearing the end of their careers could benefit significantly from long-term contracts lasting three to five years. Meanwhile, younger players who have just started their international careers may consider such deals as a more secure option than playing for their national teams.
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Speaking on the BBC Test Match Special Podcast, Bopara explained why he believes players will consider exclusive franchise cricket contracts. He said, “If you are someone just starting your England career, then this is a serious dilemma. As there is no guarantee that you are going to play for England for 5-10 years. If you are playing well, they might pick you but with this, you have a contract – a 4-year 5-year contract is guaranteed.”
Bopara has played for Punjab Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL and is currently part of the London Spirit team in the UK’s ‘The Hundred’ league. He predicts that more and more players will choose to play for franchise teams around the world rather than their national sides, as the trend continues to grow. With the IPL offering lucrative contracts to players from different cricketing nations, it remains to be seen which players will be the next to receive long-term deals.